Political Economy,Environmental Inequalities, International Development

Biography

I grew up in Ephrata, Washington. Many of Ephrata's residents are economically tied to farming and the Grand Coulee Dam. Growing up here, I became keenly aware of how rural people can oftentimes feel invisible politically and how their livelihoods can be integrally tied to government development projects, like the Grand Coulee Dam. The research I have pursued since becoming a sociologist has in one way or another always been influenced by my experiences growing up with folks in Ephrata. My research expertise includes the areas of political economy, international development, social and environmental inequalities. Being fluent in Russian language (obtained at Eastern Washington University), I have studied and researched in Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Armenia and Karabagh. My current research brings me closer home to the state of Idaho. I am involved in interdisciplinary research that examines the socio-cultural impacts of local communities in Idaho youth's pursuits in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.

Selected Publications

“Focus Groups in Action: Problems of purposeful sampling and group composition when initiating research from afar.” Forthcoming May 2014. Sage Cases in Methodology, edited by Patrick Brindle and Laura Notton.

Micron STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education Research Project, 2010-2015:
The Micron STEM education research project is collecting and analyzing data on the needs, attitudes and contextual variables associated with student underperformance in STEM education in Idaho. The goal in the analysis is to identify barriers to STEM interest and competency, which will enhance policy discussion and practices aimed toward strengthening STEM education, increasing student participation and achievement in the State of Idaho. Leontina is the lead coordinator for the focus group phase of this project and will work with team members to design and implement the statewide survey.

Research & Scholarship: Kurt Olsson Early Career Research Fellowship, CLASS, “Exploring the Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender in Understandings of STEM Education among Idaho State Education Policy Leaders.” ($9,000)